Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar today said the poll panel will take all steps to ensure inducement-free, black money and muscle power-free Lok Sabha elections. He said, the Commission is fully committed to conduct free and fair Lok Sabha elections.
The CEC was addressing the media in Patna after the end of its three-day visit to Bihar to review the poll preparedness of upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Chief Election Commissioner said the poll panel will ensure inclusive and participative election and focus on youth. He said all initiatives will be taken to increase participation of female voters.
On corrective measures to ensure better poll percentage Mr. Kumar said several assembly constituencies have been identified for targeted intervention and voters of these areas are being sensitized and awareness is being spread.
Mr. Kumar said during the visit the full Election Commission team held discussions with different stakeholders like political parties, District Election Officers cum District Magistrates and other senior field officers, Central Police Forces and 20 various enforcement agencies.
He said election seizure management system, a tech platform is in force which is providing real time updates on seizures. The CEC said during the review meeting with police officials, enforcement agencies and nodal officers of Central Police Forces the EC team has given thrust upon synchronized efforts along the interstate border, international border, airports, railway stations and helipad. He said strict vigilance will be observed to curb the menace of fake currency, illegal arms, freebies, liquor and black money.
The CEC said full transparency will be ensured during distribution of EVMs and polling agents will be apprised about the movement of the polling machines to booths. He says on all 77,392 polling booths there will be deployment of Central Para Military Forces along with state police. Besides this all booths will be assured minimum facilities, where voters can get amenities like toilets, ramp, and drinking water.
The CEC said a level play field will be provided to all political parties irrespective of their stature and strength. District Magistrates and SPs have to ensure this. If any officer violates it the Commission will strongly deal in the matter.
Mr. Kumar said the commission will ensure participation of voters of all walks of life. Senior citizens and Divyang with over 40 percent disability will get facility of voting from home. He said on the demand of political parties the postal ballots will be counted first.
